Nigerian troops rescue nine kidnapping victims in Katsina State

Nine people – three women, four men and two children – who had been abducted on 9 July 2026 along the Tsafe‑Kuchere road in Zamfara State escaped when their captors fell asleep. They were intercepted by troops of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation Fansan Yamma, during a fighting patrol in Faskari Local Government Area, Katsina State. The victims are now in safe custody and being processed for reunion with their families.

In a separate operation, the same force responded to intelligence about bandits attempting to rustle livestock in Bakori Local Government Area. Troops engaged the suspects, who fled, leaving behind 56 stolen animals – four cattle and 52 sheep – which were recovered and placed under military custody pending hand‑over to owners. The operation also led to the arrest of a suspected terrorist in Danmusa Local Government Area. Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, the Joint Task Force media officer, said the actions demonstrate continued pressure on terrorist and criminal networks in Nigeria’s north‑west.

The military praised the troops for professionalism, vigilance and resilience in sustaining pressure on criminal elements across the theatre.